The Best Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in NYC

The Best Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in NYC

NYC boasts the largest St. Patrick's Day parade of its kind and, in this town, everything goes green (including beer and bagels) in celebration of the Emerald Isle tradition.

Not quite sure where to go or what to do for the 2018 celebrations? No worries. You won't need the luck of the Irish because we've got the top six events, bars and restaurants to visit that are steeped in Irish tradition and history (as well as great ale.) So Erin go Bragh!

St. Patrick's Day Parade

It doesn’t matter where you’re from—on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone can claim to be at least a little bit Irish. The parade itself lays claim to being the oldest in the country (it was first held in 1762). So, grab a green beer and suit up in kelly green to watch bagpipers, marching bands and assorted revelers from near and far as they march up Fifth Avenue from 44th St. to 79th St. The parade starts at 11 am and typically ends by 5 pm.

Molly's Irish Pub and Restuarant Shebeen

First established in 1895, Molly’s is arguably the most traditional Irish bar in New York City, complete with sawdust on the floor and a log-burning fireplace. Renowned for its shepherd’s pie, killer burgers and steaks, be sure to wash it down with a pint (or three) from its mile-long English and Irish draft list, including Guinness, Harp, Smithwick's, Murphy's Stout and Murphy's Red, which are represented by two enormous taps.

McSorley's Ale House

McSorley's Old Ale House is another well-worn bar, established in 1854. Everyone from Teddy Roosevelt to John Lennon to Babe Ruth has passed through Mc Sorley's swinging doors. Enter the sawdust-strewn floors and prepare for a trip back in time. Perhaps the single greatest novelty of Mc Sorley's is that it's remained steadfastly authentic by providing only two choices to its customers: McSorley's Dark Ale and McSorley's Light Ale. But at these prices, you'll probably stop noticing.

The Late Late Bar

Head to the Lower East Side for a more contemporary “Irish-inspired pub” experience atThe Late Late situated on the famous Houston Street. The bar is named after “The Late Late Show,” a progressive talk show that ran afoul of Ireland’s Catholic Church, and it’s modeled after an upscale Irish residence from the 1960s. This cozy bar boasts velvet booths, throwback wallpaper, over 50 Irish whiskeys and 10 local beer taps hung over white ceramic Belfast sinks.

Tír Na NÓg

Though a bit west of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Tír Na NÓg’s two locations are the perfect places to stop for a meal or a pint if you’re coming into Manhattan via Penn Station or Port Authority. This spot has plenty of authentic charm including antique books and decor crafted out of reclaimed woods and materials. Both locations serve a fab Irish breakfast—which includes Irish sausages, bacon, eggs and black and white pudding—until 11 am. Enjoy live Irish music from noon to midnight on St. Patrick's Day at both locations.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue

This exquisite cathedral on Fifth Avenue is open daily from 6:30 am to 8:45 pm. The Neo-Gothic-style Roman Catholic cathedral church is worth a visit, regardless of whether or not you're Catholic.